Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Another slap-in-the-face decision for squash as the IOC has voted (again) not to include squash into the 2016 Olympic Games. For me, the issue should be laid to rest and squash should focus on other important concerns such as global growth and marketing. However, the result of the vote is exceedingly perplexing.

Squash was considered a front runner out of the seven sports vying for 2 open spots on the Olympic agenda. Not understanding the IOC voting system whatsoever, squash along with Roller Sports (whatever that entails), did not receive one single vote. The 2 sports that did get in? Golf and Rugby 7’s. Rugby 7’s is actually a modified version of Rugby—it would be like voting in 3-on-3 basketball, without voting in basketball. And the reason given by the IOC president Jacques Rogge: “All seven sports made a strong case for inclusion… In the end the decision came down to which two would add the most value.” In other words: Money. Rogge continued: “Golf and Rugby scored high on all the criteria. They have global appeal, a geographically diverse line-up of top iconic athletes and an ethic that stresses fair play.” And squash doesn’t? I don’t believe that Olympic inclusion is the ‘golden egg’ that squash needs to propel it to international recognition and respect, but it would be a start. The next chance for squash is for the year 2020, but no more time should be wasted trying to join an exclusive club where it is clearly not welcome.